Community Garden Program
The City of Barrie's Community Garden Program is governed by the
Community Garden Policy. There are currently six community gardens in Barrie.
2021 Community Gardens Builds
New community gardens were constructed in 2021 at Riverwood Park, Lampman Lane Park, and Batteaux Park. Thank you to community partners
Urban Pantry and the
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit who undertook the construction of these new gardens. For information about site selection and related public engagement please refer to the
May 2021 Memo to City Council.
Community Garden Locations & Layouts
Batteaux Park, 443 Mapleton Avenue | |
The garden was built in July 2021 by Urban Pantry through a Trillium Foundation Grant. There are two (2) raised plots, nine (9) single plots and three (3) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to
Batteaux Garden Map for plot numbers. At this time, residents can rent a plot at Batteaux Community Garden for 2022, and this will also allow them access the garden for the remainder of 2021.
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Eastview Community Park, 453 Grove Street | |
The garden was built in 2020 by Urban Pantry through a Trillium Foundation Grant. There are two (2) raised plots, ten (10) single plots and nine (9) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to
Eastview Garden Map for plot numbers. In 2021, double plots #10 and #19 are sponsored communal plots. If you are interested in participating in a communal plot, please contact Service Barrie at
ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca or (705) 726-4242.
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Golden Meadow Park, 139 Hurst Drive | |
The garden was built in 2012 by
Living Green Barrie. There are twelve (12) single garden plots and six (6) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to theGolden Meadow Park Garden Mapfor plot numbers.
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Lampman Lane Park, 59 Lampman Lane | |
The garden was built in July 2021 by Urban Pantry through a Trillium Foundation Grant. There are two (2) raised plots, twelve (12) single plots and six (6) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to
Lampman Lane Garden Map for plot numbers. There are nine (9) raised beds adjacent to the community garden that are designated teaching gardens and are not available to rent at this time. At this time, residents can rent a plot at Lampman Lane Community Garden for 2022, and this will also allow them access the garden for the remainder of 2021.
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Shear Park Community Garden, 21–23 Holgate Street | |
The garden was built in 2019 by Urban Pantry through a Trillium Foundation grant. There are two (2) raised plots, nine (9) single plots and nine (9) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to the
Shear Park Garden Map for plot numbers.
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Riverwood Park, 22 Kozlov Street* | |
The garden was built in August 2021 by Urban Pantry through a Trillium Foundation Grant. There are 2 (2) raised plots, ten (10) single plots and six(6) double plots with water service onsite. Please refer to the
Riverwood Community Garden Layout for plot numbers. At this time, residents can rent a plot at the Riverwook Community Garden for 2022, and this will allow renters access for the remainder of 2021. |
* This new (2021) garden represents the closure and transfer of the Sunnidale Park location. A new parking lot in Riverwood Park will be constructed in 2022. |
Garden Plot Rental Contract & Fees
Prior to renting a plot, gardeners are to read the policy and sign a
Community Garden Rental Contract. The City administers the registration of the garden plots and any alterations to the garden plan. The gardeners elect a garden coordinator to operate the day-to-day functions of the garden and liaise with the City.
- Single Plot: $20 + HST ($22.60) - 1.5 x 4.5m (5'x15')
- Double Plot: $50 + HST ($56.50) - 3m x 4.5m (10' x 15')
How to Rent a Garden Plot
Current gardeners must re-register for their same plot annually by October 31. New gardener registrations are accepted starting November 1 annually.
- Fill out and sign a
Community Garden Rental Contract.One plot per person, except after May 24th.
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Submit the contract by mail or in person at
Service Barrie with payment by cheque payable to the "City of Barrie" (please do not send cash in the mail). Mailing address:
City of Barrie Community Garden Administrator
Service Barrie, Box 400
Barrie Ontario, L4M 4T5
Signed contracts will be received on a first-come, first-served basis. Gardeners may pick their plot immediately if registering in person. If the contract was submitted by mail, registrants will be notified of their plot number by phone or e-mail. Your contact information will be made available to the Garden Coordinator, who will contact you when the garden is opened up in the spring. If you indicate on your contract that you are interested in being a Garden Coordinator, you will be contacted by the City of Barrie Community Garden Administrator.
Due to the limited number of plots available, you may be placed on a waiting list, in priority sequence, if the plots are all rented by an early date. Your payment will be returned to you if your contract was submitted by mail. If a plot becomes available, you will be contacted according to the waiting list priority sequence, and the fee will be due at that time. Please submit your signed contract regardless of plot availability in order to help indicate the level of community interest and the need for more garden plots.
Seed Libraries
Brightly coloured boxes at the community gardens are part of the City of Barrie’s Seed Exchange, which is a sister service to the
Barrie Public Library’s Seed Library. The exchange aims to promote biodiversity and to enable our community to become self-reliant.
A Seed Library is a place where you can ‘borrow’ or exchange seeds. The Barrie Public Library has a Seed Library at all three of its locations. There can be practically any type of seed available: flower, vegetable, herbs, shrubs. Availability and selection depend on what is at the library at the time you visit.
A Seed Exchange (or Seed Box) is a miniature Seed Library that can be found in one of the City’s Community gardens where you can borrow, exchange, or share seeds. All members of the public can access and use the Seed Exchange or Seed Library.
FAQs about Seed Libraries
What is a seed? | |
A seed is a ripened ovule containing an embryonic plant and its food supply, providing enough energy to produce true leaves. The first set of leaves are called cotyledons and the second set is called true leaves. |
What is germination? | |
Germination is the process the seed must go through to start growth that is unique for each type of plant. Most seeds are easy to germinate and require light, oxygen, water, and warmth to grow. Generally, the requirements for germination are found on seed packets or can be found online. |
Why grow from seed? | |
Growing from seed is economical, and you can grow a wide variety of plants. It is also rewarding to grow a plant from seed. |